Chapter 10

10 As the water rose up beneath Quinn, she stretched out her wings for balance. Mei and Aisha did the same. "Hey, this is fun!" Mei exclaimed. "Do you think we're the first ever dragons to learn how to surf?" Aisha called back.

"Definitely!" said Quinn. The huge wave of water sped down the mountain as fast as a bullet train. Quinn felt the wind rushing past as she and her friends surfed the wave. Even better, she could hear more and more of the forest sounds returning. There was another sound, too: the heartbeat of the Magic Forest that Quinn had heard when they first set out. "It's stronger now," she mused. "And more steady." Flutterdash, who was riding along on Quinn's shoulder, leaned forward. "The strong forest heartbeat is thanks to you three," she chirped. "You overpowered the Shadow Queen!" Quinn felt a warm glow. The feeling was similar to how she felt when the band perfected a song. It was so special to create something with others. As Quinn zoomed along the rapids with her friends, Quinn thought about how it felt to play the Heartstring Violin while everyone

listened. She never thought she'd be able to do that! But, in fact, she had enjoyed it. Maybe doing a solo isn't too scary after all, she thought. "Look, there's Stone Face!" Aisha yelled suddenly. Quinn looked up. She'd been so deep in thought, she hadn't noticed how far they'd traveled. But Aisha was right. Up ahead was the

carved stone face that guarded the entrance to the vault. The wave of water had now become part of the mighty river that flowed through the forest. Cheering animals gathered along the banks of the river, waving at the Dragon Girls as they passed by. It was like surfing through a parade! When the river flowed by the entrance to the vault, Quinn, Aisha, and Mei jumped off the wave and pulled themselves up the riverbank. "Welcome, Treasure Dragon Girls!" Stone Face called. His smile stretched so wide that Quinn was worried he might crack. "I know you've found the Heartstring Violin because the forest is full of sound again. The soldier ants have been singing nonstop for an hour now!" "Yes, we have it," Quinn said, shaking herself dry and patting the bag with the violin and bow. "Can you open the vault so we can put it back where it belongs?" "Of course," said Stone Face. "Right after you say a few words. I like to make opening the door a

special occasion." Once, Quinn would've felt too shy to say anything. But the quest had changed her, and she knew exactly what to say. "Music is life itself," she called out. "It certainly is!" Stoney's smile stretched even wider. With a rumbling sound, the heavy door of the vault slid open. It didn't matter how many times Quinn stepped inside the vault; it was always thrilling. The Treasure Dragons flew down the entrance tunnel, lit with its multicolored lights, until they reached the main cavern. This huge space glowed with a golden light. Diamond necklaces dripped like stalactites from the roof, and shiny coins covered the floor. Everywhere Quinn looked, something twinkled brightly. Quinn felt joy bubbling inside her. She loved being in here, surrounded by beautiful things.

Quinn had a job to do, though, so she tried to focus. In the middle of the cavern stood three columns. On the first was the Forest Book, which they had rescued on their first quest. On the second was the Magic Mirror, which they had returned on their last visit. One column remained empty. Quinn walked toward it, feeling the Heartstring Violin vibrate as